The BookHouse: Sip, Read, Repeat—Your Literary Escape with Tara Cool

By Dr. Brittney Clinton | Friday, March 21, 2025 | 3:40 PM ET

Tara Cool | Founder and Co-Owner, TheBookHouse

Nestled in the heart of Reynolda Village of Winston-Salem, North Carolina, TheBookHouse isn’t just a bookstore and coffee shop—it’s a sanctuary for book lovers, remote workers, and anyone seeking a change of scenery. Owned by two sisters with a shared passion for literature and the perfect cup of coffee, this charming space is designed to be your home away from home.

From the scent of freshly brewed espresso to the comforting rustle of turning pages, every corner invites you to slow down, sip, and immerse yourself in a good story. Whether you're looking for a quiet nook to work, a cozy spot for book club meetings, or simply a place to unwind, TheBookHouse offers the perfect blend of warmth, inspiration, and community.

Today, we uncover with one of the owners to hear more about their journey, the inspiration behind TheBookHouse, and what makes this literary haven so special. Let’s dive into their story!

Dr. Brittney Clinton: What inspired you to open The BookHouse, and how did you decide to combine a bookstore with a coffee shop?

Tara Cool: There is no single point in time when we made the choice to open The Bookhouse or conceived the concept. This has been a lifelong goal. Meg and I would frequently discuss the potential advantages of owning a bookshop, and we would continue to elaborate on this concept. We simply imagined a spot where we would want to gather. We believed that coffee should be available in any place that featured literature. I also enjoy spending the evening with a good book and a bottle of wine, so it gradually became a part of the dream. As soon as the space became available and the "for lease" sign appeared in the window, Meg phoned me to let me know that she was positive that this was the best location for us to open our bookstore. At first, I didn't take her seriously; nevertheless, I was in the midst of a major life transformation and was looking for an alternative path.

As a result, we decided to approach her and inquire about the open space. This triggered a chain of events that ended in the creation of a formal business plan, the refinement of our concept from an elusive ideal to an achievable goal, and the store's opening in July 2023.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: As a family-owned business, what values or traditions have shaped the atmosphere and mission of The BookHouse?

Tara Cool: Many of the decisions that we make regarding how to run The Bookhouse are based on our principles. We desire to spread the love of Christ to everyone and to make them feel welcome. Despite the fact that we do not yet have any "traditions" in the traditional sense, I feel that this has a significant impact on the environment.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: How has the local community in Reynolda Village influenced the vision and growth of The BookHouse?

Tara Cool: Reynolda Village has a diversified community due to the walking trails, shopping, and museum. We see visitors from all over the world because they come to visit the village and the museum while in town. We also observe a lot of young families trying to get outside with their children and walk. People meet here to walk and enjoy a coffee or lunch because it is such a beautiful neighborhood, and there are also Wake Forest students. Having said that, the variety of ages/stages we encounter in the store requires us to stock a wide range of merchandise. It has also motivated us to expand our children's department, offer weekly story times, and provide a train table for the little ones. We also maintain chairs accessible because students and remote workers come into work, and the soft seating is frequently used for social gatherings. We've attempted to cultivate both a gathering and a shopping space, and that's still driving our decisions as we grow.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: What challenges did you face in bringing this innovative concept to life, and how did you overcome them?

Tara Cool: We've never run a business before. We had a vision, but no idea how to put it into action. We did thorough research on running a bookstore and where to purchase our goods. This began with Google searches, but we also contacted some out-of-town bookstores about a few items. We also had to teach ourselves how to create espresso beverages. Our coffee supplier, Magic Beans, was really helpful in getting us started. We would not have known where to start without them. We hired a trainer to come in and teach us how to use the equipment, watched hundreds of hours of YouTube videos, and trained for months. Getting inventory in was also challenging. This is an inventory-intensive endeavor, and because we did not have unlimited resources, we had to be very judicious in what inventory we began with and make it excellent enough so that people would continue to return so that we could build the company. And then there came the ABC permit. Do not even get me started on it... What a journey it was! The short version is that we asked a lot of questions, trusted the experts in their disciplines, stuck to our goal, and prayed for the best.

Dr. Brittney Clinton: Are there any unique books, coffee blends, or experiences at The BookHouse that you feel set it apart from other bookstores and cafés?

Tara Cool: I'd want to boast that we have a really unique selection, however most of the items on our shelf could be found in any cute local bookstore. And, while our beans are great and certainly produce the best cup of coffee, other shops in town utilize them as well. I believe that our atmosphere is what truly distinguishes us. The idea is for individuals to come in and feel at ease. We are a multi-use venue in the sense that we provide more than just retail; you can come here for an open mic night, poetry slam, live music, children's story time, or simply to meet up with friends or work. We've hosted wine tastings, clue game nights, and so on. We are continually seeking for opportunities to bring people together and help our community. 

In a world that moves fast, choosing independent workspaces like TheBookHouse offers a refreshing pause—a place where creativity flows as freely as the coffee. Whether you're escaping into a novel, tackling your next big project, or simply looking to connect with like-minded individuals, our cozy literary haven is designed to inspire and comfort. Supporting local spaces like ours not only nurtures community but also ensures there’s always a warm corner waiting for you.

As C.S. Lewis once said, “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” We believe the same applies to coffee and good company. Want to learn more or share your thoughts?

Reach out to Tara Cool at reynoldabookhouse@gmail.com—she would love to hear from you!

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About Dr. Brittney Clinton

Dr. Brittney Clinton is a content educational practitioner currently serving as an Associate Professor at Westcliff University, Dissertation Committee Member, independent published author, and compassionate leader that attract other professionals, scholars, and individuals in the community with a devoted purpose to empower, educate, and support others. Previously, Dr. Clinton served various leadership roles in Winston-Salem, NC with the following organizations: Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc and The Order of the Eastern Star PHA 30th District. Dr. Clinton currently serves as a board member for the city of Winston-Salem, NC Appearance and Commission Board.

Dr. Clinton graduated from the following prestigious institutions: Winston-Salem State University, B.A. Sociology/Elementary Education 2009, Strayer University, MA Education Leadership and Management 2012, and Capella University, Ed. D Education Leadership and Management 2015. Dr. Clinton founded the motto “Continue to be a beacon of light”; which is implemented daily while effectively illuminating a successful path for others.

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